GURPS POD books

Nikosandros · 08-04-2007, 08:25 AM

I have a question about the availability of POD version of the PDF books that SJ produces. As far as I can understand, POD versions are only available alter and only if the sales of the PDF have been good. Wouldn't it be possible to put the books for sale through a place like Lulu immediately? Many other RPG companies do exactly that.

Paul · 08-04-2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikosandros

Wouldn't it be possible to put the books for sale through a place like Lulu immediately?

Possible? Certainly; as you point out, other publishers are doing just that. However, translating a PDF file to something that can be printed via Lulu or other print-on-demand providers is not free; it is a sunk cost that must be recooped if the project is to be profitable.

Therefore, we wait until the demand has proven itself before commiting the additional resources.

For another discussion on this topic, check out this thread, or search for "print on demand."

NeverCool · 08-04-2007, 11:02 AM

(yes, I am still waching you. All of you.... muahaha)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

However, translating a PDF file to something that can be printed via Lulu or other print-on-demand providers is not free; it is a sunk cost that must be recooped if the project is to be profitable.

That is actually not the case. You can upload PDFs directly to Lulu and you have a POD; just add a scan or similar cover. And any worries about layout are unnecessary; with the quality SJG puts into something as humble as a POD book, it will fit nicely.

Paul · 08-04-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeverCool

That is actually not the case. You can upload PDFs directly to Lulu and you have a POD; just add a scan or similar cover. And any worries about layout are unnecessary; with the quality SJG puts into something as humble as a POD book, it will fit nicely.

If you need to add a cover, you can't just "upload PDFs ... and you have a POD." That, and the process surrounding the cover, results in the sunk cost I mentioned.

NeverCool · 08-04-2007, 03:27 PM

I am assuming we are talking books with covers already; I didn't see any e23 'books' (i.e. something longer than a few pages) without them, and old prints just need scanning. AFAIK, PDF or JPG both do the trick. Takes about 10 minutes per book, no skill needed, and apparently (some) people want them bad enough to poke and pay.

Not pushing for anything myself. I feel fine with PDFs. Just thought the information might help. Besides, where else will you get the chance to say "yeah, I'll just get those 5 books published before lunch" :)

EDIT: I read the other thread, too (part of it, anyway). The only real concern I see is a distrust of final quality. Which is a very valid concern, though I am sure a test run and clear informaiton for customers will do that trick. But the whole "POD is a costly and complex process" is a grave misconception. Still, not my choice to make, and I feel fine either way. Just the facts, m'am... just the facts.

EDIT2: On the other hand, I still do not get why people who swear they are willing to pay more for a book to get a hardcopy don't just go to Lulu, get an account, upload the PDF they bought, and order themselves a copy. I did a few times, and the license on SJG PDFs says you can print a copy for yourself. Just keep your Lulu account private and put a $0 profit margin on it. A 120-page book costs about $7+shipping that way. But that's just me...

morleydotes · 08-05-2007, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeverCool

EDIT2: On the other hand, I still do not get why people who swear they are willing to pay more for a book to get a hardcopy don't just go to Lulu, get an account, upload the PDF they bought, and order themselves a copy. I did a few times, and the license on SJG PDFs says you can print a copy for yourself. Just keep your Lulu account private and put a $0 profit margin on it. A 120-page book costs about $7+shipping that way. But that's just me...

Because Lulu does not bind the way that I want it bound. I also get no gtd from them about the quality, just the printing. Been there, done that, won't go back. Two months of fighting is not worth it. I'd rather have nice rows hard bound books on my shelves than spiral bound ones. I'm just not that cheap.

Pat

Nikosandros · 08-04-2007, 11:29 AM

Thanks for the link and apologies for posting about a topic that had already been throughly debated...

08-04-2007, 08:25 AM	#1
Nikosandros Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Roma, Italy	GURPS POD books I have a question about the availability of POD version of the PDF books that SJ produces. As far as I can understand, POD versions are only available alter and only if the sales of the PDF have been good. Wouldn't it be possible to put the books for sale through a place like Lulu immediately? Many other RPG companies do exactly that.

08-04-2007, 03:27 PM	#5
NeverCool Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In a 10 by 10 stone room...	Re: GURPS POD books I am assuming we are talking books with covers already; I didn't see any e23 'books' (i.e. something longer than a few pages) without them, and old prints just need scanning. AFAIK, PDF or JPG both do the trick. Takes about 10 minutes per book, no skill needed, and apparently (some) people want them bad enough to poke and pay. Not pushing for anything myself. I feel fine with PDFs. Just thought the information might help. Besides, where else will you get the chance to say "yeah, I'll just get those 5 books published before lunch" :) EDIT: I read the other thread, too (part of it, anyway). The only real concern I see is a distrust of final quality. Which is a very valid concern, though I am sure a test run and clear informaiton for customers will do that trick. But the whole "POD is a costly and complex process" is a grave misconception. Still, not my choice to make, and I feel fine either way. Just the facts, m'am... just the facts. EDIT2: On the other hand, I still do not get why people who swear they are willing to pay more for a book to get a hardcopy don't just go to Lulu, get an account, upload the PDF they bought, and order themselves a copy. I did a few times, and the license on SJG PDFs says you can print a copy for yourself. Just keep your Lulu account private and put a $0 profit margin on it. A 120-page book costs about $7+shipping that way. But that's just me... __________________ NewGameMaster magazine is out! 116 pages of evil weapons, morphing robots, dragon-slapping and HENCHMEN! - Click here! - The thread! Last edited by NeverCool; 08-04-2007 at 04:28 PM.

08-04-2007, 11:29 AM	#7
Nikosandros Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Roma, Italy	Re: GURPS POD books Thanks for the link and apologies for posting about a topic that had already been throughly debated...